Job Discussion Forums

rgraham1014 · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 14

I am a recent college grad looking to move to Latin America to teach ESL. I have my BA and I plan on attending a CELTA class when I get there. I also have about six months experience teaching English to immigrants here in the states. I also speak Spanish, although I've heard that doesn't help too much in finding work. My main questions are:

Where are the MOST available jobs in Latin America?

Where might I get the most decent job? (pay, hours, conditions, etc)

How does pay compare (relative to cost of living) in Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, etc?

I'd really apprecaite any help or suggestions! Thanks a lot!

gungediana · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 82

hmm tough questions because I doubt there are many people (if any) who have experience working in, or have knowledge of the job markets in more than a few Latin American countries. So I doubt that anyone out there has enough knowledge to make a proper comparison.

Also, if you asked which country in Europe pays the best, that would be an impossible question to answer obviously because there are too many variables. And it's the same with L.A too I think.

That said I want to be constructive and to help out so......

In my opinion, teaching in L.America is about the lifestyle not earning money or having a proper career.
Peru is a great place for that. It's fun and friendly, there are plenty of jobs where you don't need a work visa. The pay isn't quite enough to live on at that level so you might need some supplementary income to make the most out of your experience.

I'm sure teachers with experience in Mexico, or Brazil or wherever can make the cases for their respective countries.

Hope that helps!

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:33 pm Post subject:

Mexico has the most jobs in Latin America.

Nowhere in L. America pays really well.

In Mexico you can make enough to have a comfortable living. But you'll never get rich.

Many jobs are in Mexico City. The other big cities also have jobs for teaching ESL.

Beach resort towns pay very little, there are few jobs and too many backpackers to compete with.

Rural and/or tourist areas pay as little as $30 pesos per hour.

In Mexico City $8-$10,000 pesos per month is the norm. But cost of living can be high.

Bueno suerte!